Komodo Liveaboard — Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need before booking: best seasons, routes (north/central/south), typical prices, what's included, park fees, packing list and safety tips.
Komodo Liveaboard — Quick Answers
The essentials you need to know before booking any Komodo liveaboard
Trip Essentials
Best Season
Apr–Nov for north/central (warmer). Dec–Mar for south/mantas (cooler).
Conditions
20–25°C south; 25–28°C north. Visibility 15–30m. Currents vary.
What's Included (typical)
Cabin, meals, 3–4 dives/day, tanks & weights. Park fees & rental gear extra.
Certification Level
Open Water for protected sites. Advanced + Nitrox recommended for south.
Planning & Logistics
Getting There
Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) via Bali, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Arrive at least 1 day early.
Park Fees
Paid on arrival in IDR, varies by day/activity (not included in liveaboard price).
Trip Duration
3-4 days (sampler) to 7-8 days (complete Komodo coverage).
Group Size
Budget boats: 14-22 guests. Boutique boats: 6-10 guests.
Komodo Liveaboard Categories — What to Expect
Compare boat types to find the right fit for your budget and style
| Category | Group Size | Cabin Type | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 14-22 guests | Shared / dormitory | Basic amenities, group dives (6-8 per guide) |
| Mid-Range / Boutique | 6-12 guests | Private ensuite | Smaller groups (4:1 ratio), often Nitrox included |
| Luxury | 8-16 guests | Premium suites | Spa, gourmet dining, photography support, dedicated guide |
Prices vary by season, trip duration, and operator. Request quotes from multiple boats to compare.
Komodo Diving Routes & When To Go
Choose your route based on your travel dates and experience level
🌊 North Komodo
Best Season
April – November (calmer seas, warmer water 26-28°C).
Diving Style
Action-packed drift dives, pinnacles, schooling fish. Strong currents possible.
Key Sites
Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Shotgun, Cauldron/The Passage.
Level
Advanced recommended. Strong currents require drift experience.
🐠 Central Komodo
Best Season
Year-round diving. Most versatile area.
Diving Style
Iconic reefs, pinnacles, and cleaning stations. Mix of conditions.
Key Sites
Batu Bolong, Siaba, Tatawa, Manta Point, Mawan.
Level
Open Water to Advanced depending on site and conditions.
🦋 South Komodo & Padar
Best Season
December – March (manta season, cooler 20-25°C).
Diving Style
Manta encounters, lush soft corals, macro. Cooler, nutrient-rich water.
Key Sites
Manta Alley, Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall, Horseshoe Bay.
Level
Advanced + Nitrox recommended. Currents and cold thermoclines.
Safety, Skills & Packing
Komodo offers world-class diving with variable conditions. Preparation is key.
Recommended Skills & Certifications
Advanced Open Water
Required for most south sites and recommended for north channels.
Nitrox Certification
Highly recommended for multi-dive days. Extends bottom time, reduces fatigue.
Drift Diving Experience
Practice SMB deployment before arrival. Follow briefings carefully.
Gas Management
Respect turn pressure and NDL limits. Always dive with a computer.
Packing List
Exposure Protection
5mm wetsuit + hood for south. 3mm for north if you run warm.
Dive Computer & SMB
Essential. Reef hook useful if briefed by guides. Torch for night dives.
Documents
Certification cards, logbook, dive insurance proof (DAN recommended).
Comfort Items
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, light windbreaker, seasickness meds if needed.
Komodo Liveaboard — Frequently Asked Questions
Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) via Bali Ngurah Rai (DPS) or Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK). Multiple daily flights are available with airlines like Garuda, Lion Air, and Citilink. Plan to arrive at least one day before your liveaboard departure to avoid missing the boat due to flight delays.
Most liveaboards include: cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, water/tea/coffee, 3-4 guided dives per day, tanks and weights. Usually NOT included: National Park fees (€80-120), equipment rental, alcohol, Nitrox (though some boats include it), and gratuities.
Minimum Open Water certification for protected central sites. Advanced Open Water + Nitrox is strongly recommended for south Komodo (mantas, cold water) and north channels (strong currents). Many boats offer Advanced and Nitrox courses onboard if you want to upgrade.
Manta rays can be seen year-round in Komodo, but the best season is December to March when they aggregate in south Komodo (Manta Alley) to feed on plankton-rich waters. Water is cooler (20-24°C) but manta encounters are more frequent and longer.
Komodo National Park fees are paid in IDR and vary by day/activity (not included in the trip price). As a reference, the updated official tickets list foreign visitor entry at 250,000 IDR and a separate diving activity ticket at 25,000 IDR per person per activity. Always confirm the latest breakdown with your operator before departure.
Most Komodo diving is in sheltered waters, but crossings between areas can be choppy, especially during monsoon transitions (April-May, Oct-Nov). If you're prone to seasickness, bring medication (Dramamine/Stugeron) and choose a boat with stabilizers. Booking a center cabin also helps.
Looking for a Boutique Komodo Liveaboard?
We operate Shenron, a small-group liveaboard (max 8 guests). See boat specs, cabins, and sample itineraries:
Shenron Liveaboard Overview →